Leaders Afraid To Show Ill-Health

Latest research from BUPA shows that in many firms, at a leadership level, the quintessentially British traits of maintaining a 'stiff upper lip' when it comes to wellbeing are still prevalent.

Showing signs of ill-health is seen as a weakness by many but in reality this can add to the burden on an individual, and therefore the business.

Family business leaders need to be aware of the research but from visiting many family firms there is a tendency for them to be more aware of health and wellbeing amongst staff, many of whom have been with the business for generations of families too, but there should be no signs of complacency and dealing with health matters of staff, leaders and family members should remain on the agenda, be discussed and action taken to support individuals at all levels of the business, even at the top.

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A prevailing ‘stiff upper lip attitude’ creates barriers to conversations about wellbeing at the executive level
The majority of business leaders are afraid to show vulnerability or ill health, research from Bupa UK has found.
Its research, based on interviews with 300 business leaders, found that three-fifths (62%) think they need to show that they don’t suffer from ill health, and half (50%) think it isn’t possible to be both a good leader and vulnerable.